Tesco Finest Denman Vineyard Semillon 2012, Hunter Valley (£8.99 Tesco)
Starts off rather lean and green, with Grannie Smiths, greengage and green pepper flavours and noticeable acidity, but then a richer custard edge comes through – good but needs more time to lose that shrieking edge. B+
Moss Wood Semillon 2011, Margaret River (£15.20 Jeroboams)
Quite a broad, fleshy style, has the greengage and citrus flavours, but there’s also weighty honeyed toasty characters, and a long finish with a waxy/lanolin edge. S-
Tim Adams Semillon 2010, Clare Valley (£9.99 Tesco)
Older than the Moss Wood but feels younger, balances perky greenness – lime and greengage flavours – with richer waxy notes and toasty oak. Good now, better in three years. S
McWilliams Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2005, Hunter Valley (£8.99 Tesco)
Lovely maturing style, still has the lime juice, greengage and green apple tang, but there’s also the toasty edges of maturity, along with broader custard and custard apple richness – delicious, rounded and complete, and still good for another five years at least. S(+)
Hi Simon
Good to see a write up of Aussie Semillon – often overlooked, especially considering some of the bargains tasted here! The McWilliams is a great value example for anyone wanting to ‘get into’ Hunter Semillon, whilst Peter Lehmann’s ‘Margaret’ Semillon is my benchmark for Barossa – and lowish alcohol to boot!
Thanks for that Adrian – how’s everything at Wine Unearthed?
Busy as we head into the ‘crazy’ season – but busy is good!
Always read your posts – seldom post, will try better!
Will publicise your book on our wine-tasting courses when out
Hopefully this Friday Adrian, but the best laid plans and all that….
If you’re ever short of presenters for any of your courses in/around Manchester, do let me know
Will do!